16 of the group met at the Plymouth Barbican at 11.30am for a birdwatching cruise along the Tamar and Lynher rivers. The weather had a few wet blustery moments which hot pasties and drinks helped to overcome any discomfort.

34 Species were identified plus one curious grey seal. We saw many expected species such as Redshank and Greenshank, Curlew, Little Egret, Oyster Catchers, Shelduck, Grey Heron, Cormorants, Shags, Pigeons, Black tailed Godwit and the whole range of Gulls: Herring, Great Black backed and Black headed. Some of the pleasant surprises were some Sandwich and Arctic Terns, cattle Egret, a juvenile Gannet, Mediterranean gulls, Great Crested Grebes and Great Northern Divers. We also saw a Sparrowhawk and Buzzard hunting. However the unexpected find came from Marion who found a Mandarin Duck amongst some Mallards.

We all agreed it was a great trip run for the first time in 20 years it seems and we all hope to do the February trip and add spoonbills and avocets to the list.

 Mandarin posing as a Mallard                                                        Mediterranean Gull

   Buzzard                                                                                              Juvenile Gannet

Jasmina Goodair ( Thanks to Adrian Langdon for this reports images.